SUB MARIO SINKS BLUES

Vrancic ends eight-month wait for home win

MARIO VRANCIC’S late goal gave Norwich their first home win in almost eight months.

The Bosnian, on as an 80th-minute sub, slotted home from just inside the box seven minutes later.

Not since Leicester were beaten by the same scoreline on February 28 had the Canaries celebrated a victory at Carrow Road.

Birmingham seemed destined to leave with a point but Vrancic ended their stubborn resistance soon after the visitors had Adam Clayton sent off for his second yellow card.

The Canaries won this fixture 3-1 two seasons ago on their way to promotion, all four goals coming in the first 25 minutes.

This time there was less to shout about early on, with Jordan Hugill shanking an effort wide and Ben Gibson stopping lone frontman Scott Hogan at the other end after Jonathan Leko, making a first start since a serious knee injury in December, blocked Grant Hanley’s pass.

Todd Cantwell, back after a month out because boss Daniel Farke felt his head had been turned by transfer speculation, clearly had a point to prove

But for all their slick passing Norwich looked vulnerable at the back and were relieved when Ivan Sunjic blazed over.

Lukas Rupp saw a long-range shot batted behind by Blues keeper Neil Etheridge before Hugill fired wide again and two chances came Cantwell’s way directly before the break.

The first he prodded wide on the stretch after a penalty appeal had not gone his way, the second saw him rob Leko - on his full debut - to go clear but Etheridge blocked with a leg.

Norwich were back again seconds into the second half but Hugill was too high. Teemu Pukki, playing in a No.10 role, then had an effort saved.

Emi Buendia carelessly lost possession in his own half but sub Jeremie Bela blasted at Canaries keeper Tim Krul.

Cantwell had the ball in the Blues net just after the hour mark but was offside.

Norwich were getting frustrated, especially when Cantwell fired wide. Yet another chance fell to the midfielder but Maxime Colin threw himself in the way.

NICK OF TIME Mario Vrancic celebrates his late winner for Norwich